Italian protests on October 17 bring clashes in Bologna and Turin, tensions in Milan and Rome

On October 17, protests occurred in multiple Italian cities, with clashes reported in Bologna and Turin and tensions in Milan and Rome. Interior Minister Piantedosi described the day as complicated, stating authorities were prepared for any scenario. The protests followed a new decentralized plan where activists published three meeting points per city at 2:30 PM, with the final destination revealed at 3:30 PM. This strategy aimed to avoid police cordons, as announced gatherings were canceled in favor of unpredictable confluences. Prefectures remained on alert over fears of traps and provocations. In Turin, an image of Giorgia Meloni was burned, while in Rome over 200 people were identified and 63 taken to police stations. Searches were conducted in Milan, Monza, and Como.